Written by Rajiv Joseph
Directed by Bali Padda

A wonderfully funny and moving exploration of beauty and power, autocracy and resistance, and conflicting loyalties. Guards at the Taj centres on a hilariously relatable friendship that is tested by extreme and brutal circumstances.

Humayun and Babur are best friends, and guards in Hindustani ruler Shah Jahan’s Imperial Army. They bicker, reminisce about jungle escapades, and have the dubious privilege of standing guard over the Taj Mahal the night before it is revealed to the world as the most potent and powerful personification of beauty.

At the grand opening of the Taj Mahal, the Emperor decrees that nothing more beautiful shall ever be built again. To ensure this, he orders two imperial guards to perform a horrendous task.

National Theatre of Parramatta bring Rajiv Joseph’s script to new life in this new tour. Guards at the Taj mixes witty black comedy with the bloodiest deeds of Greek tragedy.

• Imagine the black-humoured banter of Waiting for Godot dressing the bloodiest deeds of Greek tragedy, and you are near the mark of this deeply disturbing and yet engrossing play, stunningly realised in a National Theatre of Parramatta production by first-time professional director Bali Padda.” “It’s not just that directorial debuts don’t come any stronger than this, few productions of any sort do. - The Sydney Morning Herald
• Sondhi and Caplash imbue their odd couple-esque characters with the perfect amount of individual likeability and collective chemistry, meaning that they can dominate the stage together and on their own. - Arthub
• “A great lie makes for dynamic and eventful storytelling , and a superb and entertaining ninety minute of live theatre.” - Sydney Arts Guide

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